Mark 6 advice

[chrispidgeon]

Hello All

Had a quick look around, and learnt alot. I need a Transit, for my band. PA, drums, instruments etc. I amhoping to get for a Mk6, and could stretch to about £4000 as long as it is a good one, but would like to spend a bit less.

The questions which I have not found much info on concern:

1. Which models are most reliable - or are there any that are not reliable in particular.
2. Not keen on a dual mass flywheel, due to the problems common in Ford cars with them fitted - which engines have a normal lod styleee flywheel. RElated to reliability again I guess.
3. Performance - not a huge issue, would look to good mpg and cheap running/service costs first. Which would you fold recommend. I think lo or med roof will be fine, and short or med wheelbaswe. FWD should be fine too.

Basically, as long as it is reliable, will cruise at 70-75 with no problem, and is easy on the fuel, I will be happy.

Which would you get?

Thanks

Chris

[chrispidgeon]

anyone?

Or point me to some threads I might have missed please.

Thanks

Chris

[Luke]

1. Which models are most reliable - or are there any that are not reliable in particular.

baiscally the lower BHP ie the 75ps engined models are the most reliable aslo come without a DMF

[the gardener]

SWB 100T280 Medium roof FWD, 2001 built, 2002 registered and I'd have another in a flash. Had a 80/280 mk5 and only better thing about the mk5 was electric windows and mirrors, it was slow compared!

[chrispidgeon]

nice one, thansk for the advice. need to start the search now.

[sc_BK]

As Luke says the 75ps are the simpler/more reliable engines but you won't be doing 70-75 up a hill, espcially when you're loaded

[chrispidgeon]

right, been doing my homework and a bit of searching. Best seen so far is a SWB Semi high roof, 54 plate, 58,000 miles, FSH, 1 prev owner. Tidy. Pulls a bit to the left, I suspect it is the tracking, easily sorted, dealer will put on 3 tyres I think too.

I can get it for £5695 + VAT. Is this a decent deal in the opinion of anyone here?

Also, slightly inrelated, but how tall is this model (exterior height)?

Cheers

Chris

[the gardener]

I think it's 2.4m, certainly doesn't get under municipal car park barriers!!!

[Guy88]

If you want to get under the barriers get a FWD low roof they have almost the same internal height as a MK5 semi high

In FWD id go with the 100ps engine and depending on weight a T300 perhaps even consider an ex bt even thou there only 85ps

If there is a lot of weight perhaps consider a 330 RWD, but you would have a higher floor

[chrispidgeon]

yeah, its just a question of size really. The semi high swb is definitely big enough, and it is nice to be able to stand up (almost) in it too.

So, the fwd low roofs go in carparks no problem then? They dont go in my garage..

I tried a low roof 75ps today. it was ok, but I could hear a hissing when the revs rose - I suspect turbo trouble, although it had only done £39k..and seemes to pull fine. It is a 51 p[late, and the chap thought the earlier ones had louder turbos. The 54 plate I drove later has no hissing at all.

bit of a minefield this!

[100 T280]

100 ps FWD, or 115ps RWD if you can find one, you won't be able to stand up straight in a RWD medium roof though.

FWD 100 (no DMF) will sit at 80 or 90 all day long, if I drive mine carefully (slowly ) I get as much as 38 MPG with the aircon on too.

125ps TDci if you have the money, quick, very quiet, with DMF

[madmark]

also check for oil leeks around the sump area!